Talks, field trips and events organised by west country geological organisations are publicised on this blog. Discussion about geological topics is encouraged. Anything of general geological interest is included.

Friday, 20 May 2016

2nd July - Cleeve Hill area & 3rd July - Symonds Yat

The two courses outlined below are independent of each other: both courses can be attended, or either course, according to your particular interest / availability.
Each course has a fee of £25.00 per person.
If you /anybody else you know, would like to attend one or both of these courses, please contact Nick Chidlaw as soon as possible.
The deadline for the minimum number (10) of enrolments for each course is Friday 10th June (3 weeks before the courses are proposed to run).

The imposing plateau country that rises east of Cheltenham to the highest point of the Cotswolds, affords impressive views and contrasting landscapes all around. A circular walk, about 4 miles long, with frequent stops to examine and discuss geological exposures in old quarries and landslides formed at the end of the Ice Age, will take you around Cleeve Common and through part of the adjacent incised Postlip Valley. The photo shows the view along ‘Cleeve Cloud’ above Cheltenham, showing an extensive exposure in old quarry workings in the Middle Jurassic Lower Inferior Oolite Group. In this study area, the most stratigraphically-complete succession of strata of the Middle Jurassic Inferior Oolite Group can be examined. Distant landforms such as the Malvern Hills, and their underlying geology, will be explained. No prior geological knowledge or of the study area would be assumed.

The memorable scenery of the River Wye in its deep forested gorge at Symonds Yat is widely known and a regular attraction to visitors. Here, gently-tilted Old Red Sandstone and Carboniferous Limestone strata are exposed in cliffs and crags, where they may be examined and their origins revealed. This 6 mile walk, which remains above ground and has numerous stops, visits a host of less well-known landforms. The fascinating history of underground water courses in the limestone will be described, ancient examples of which have become dry and revealed by surface collapses and incision of the gorge. The photo (left) shows ‘King Arthur’s Cave’ (Early Carboniferous Gully Oolite Formation) where numerous Ice Age artefacts were excavated in the 19th and 20th centuries. During the Ice Age, man and animals such as lion, mammoth and bison were present, and more recently, extensive tufa deposits have formed below waterfalls. The remarkable Suck Stone, (photo below), a huge monolith of Old Red Sandstone, and possibly one of the largest fallen rocks in Great Britain, will also be seen if time allows.
No prior knowledge of geology or the study area would be assumed.

For each course, a handout outlining the day’s programme, including location sketch maps, optional reading list, geological history, and graphic / written logs detailing the rocks to be studied, will be forwarded in advance of the course to those enrolled.

Please note that for each course you will need to:
- Arrange your own transport
- Bring your own packed lunch, and any refreshments (e.g. flask of coffee, fruit juice, mineral water etc.). As these courses take place in summer, do ensure you bring plenty of drinking water (1.5 litre bottle should suffice for most people).
- Wear strong footwear with good tread and ankle support, and have waterproof clothing with you in case weather is poor.
- Wear a hard hat (we will often be close to overhead quarry/cliff faces) – if you do not possess one of these, let me know in advance and I will provide you with one for the day. You would be insured against accident for the duration of each course.